Tatsuko The time frame is after the Kyoto arc, before the Jinchuu Arc. But the events in this fic will not have any affect on Jinchuu (I don't think...). Think of it as a sideline storyline. At the beginning of the fic, the Kenshin-gumi are back in Tokyo, Kenshin is just about fully recovered, and a certain white-haired brat has yet to make his appearance to make Kenshin's life a living Hell. The prologue doesn't have Kenshin in it, but don't fear, this *is* a Kenshin fic... Questions and comments of any kind are always, always welcome and encouraged! I'll even take flames. -_-;; ********************************************************* What Times May Come Prologue: Nazotoki By Tatsuko (Tatsuko@xoommail.com) 5/20/1999 ********************************************************* Disclaimer: All Rurouni Kenshin Characters belong to Nobuhiro Watsuki-sensei (all hail). All other characters belong to me. Please just ask before posting somewhere. ^_^ < > = Thought * * = Emphasis ***** Setting: Nazotoki jinja (shrine) on the outskirts of Kyoto Sept. 1878 (Meiji 11) It had been a long time since the last visitor had ventured along the now narrow, overgrown trail to Nazotoki shrine. The surrounding forest was slowly encroaching in on it, seemingly doing its best to make it disappear. In the darkness of that overcast day, the little path could barely be seen. But that didn't slow the tall, raven-haired man making his way through it with determined strides. Matsuno pulled his dark grey cloak tighter around his shoulders and mumbled lowly under his breath at the light rain. He was starting to get soaked. He cast his dark brown eyes towards the sky for a moment, grumbled a little more, and quickened his pace, his thoughts focused on the task at hand. He reached the clearing at the end of the trail, and looked with a mixture of hope and disappointment at the tiny shrine nestled within. It was ancient, and showed every bit of its age. It looked like it hadn't been tended in years. Matsuno almost turned back without bothering to go in the pitiful-looking shrine. Almost. But then he felt it: a jolt of power. Matsuno wasted no time in crossing the clearing to the shrine. Bowing respectfully at the doorway, he stepped in. His rain-sogged cloak dripped a little water on the old wooden floors as he surveyed the interior in the dim light. Despite the untended appearance of the outer grounds, the inside was surprizingly clean and dust-free. It was very simply decorated, with only a single scroll, bearing the Nazotoki name, adorning the front wall. A few candles, which obviously hadn't been lit at all recently, were placed neatly on two low shelves to the right and left. In the center was a stone altar. At first glance, the altar looked to be completely solid. But Matsuno knew better than that. He could sense the source of power inside the altar. With a single swift blow, the stone shattered and cracked, exposing a small wooden box inside. Seconds later, the box was open, revealing a pale, round amulet on a thin metal chain. A sardonic smile crossed Matsuno's face as he held the small amulet up towards the faint light of the doorway. From the tarnished, worn condition of the chain, it was obviously very old, maybe as old as or even older than the shrine itself. He couldn't quite tell what kind of gem or crystal it was. He could almost see through it, but it was dull and cloudy, making it look somewhat like an opaque, opal-like stone. Even in the light, it wasn't completely clear or shiny; it merely gave off a faint glow, like pale moonlight. It was very plain and uniform, its surface completely smooth except where two readily noticable scratches cut into it on one side. Overall, there was nothing particularly attractive or special about its appearance. Matsuno knew well that looks could be deceiving. But even he was a little surprized at the power he could feel the amulet held. His hand clenched tightly over it. His mouth twisted into a smirk as he got up and headed for the door, pausing briefly to bow before heading down the path once more. tsuzuku... (to be continued...) ***** Further explanation on the amulet: If any of you guys know what a so-called "Cape May diamond" is or what one looks like, that's what the amulet resembles, only larger. But I'm probably the only one on the list who has seen one, simply because I am from Cape May... They are very common stones that can be found lying around along the beaches. They're dull and opaque, but if you wet one, polish it, or cut it right, it will be clear. Tourists like to go around and collect them for some reason, but they aren't worth anything. Some tourist traps actually make jewelry out of the things. -_-;; Coming up in Ch. 1: Keeenshiiiin! @_@